Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A New Synthetic Route to Organic Aerogels

  • Articles
  • Published:
MRS Online Proceedings Library Aims and scope

Abstract

The aqueous, sol-gel polymerization of melamine with formaldehyde, followed by supercritical extraction, leads to the formation of a new type of organic aerogel. Synthetic conditions (e.g. reaction time, pH) affect the density, transparency, and microstructure of the resultant aerogels. Unlike previous organic aerogels based upon resorcinol-formaldehyde, the melamine-formaldehyde aerogels are both colorless and transparent. Low densities (0.1–0.8 g/cc), high surface areas (∼1000 m2/g), and optical clarity are only a few of the promising characteristics of this new material.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J. Fricke, Sci. Am., 258(5), 92 (1988).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. J. Fricke, in Sol-Gel Science and Technology, M.A. Aegerter, M. Jafelicci, D.F. Souza, and E.D. Zanotto, eds., New Jersey: World Scientific Publishing, 482 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  3. S.J. Teichner, G.A. Nicolaon, M.A. Vicarini, and G.E.E. Gardes, Adv. Coll. Interf. Sci., 5, 245 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. C.J. Brinker, K.D. Keefer, D.W. Schaefer, and C.S. Ashley, J. Non-Cryst. Solids, 48, 47 (1982).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. C.J. Brinker, K.D. Keefer, D.W. Schaefer, R.A. Assink, B.D. Kay and C.S. Ashley, J. Non-Cryst. Solids, 63, 45 (1984).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. S.S. Kistler, Nature, 127, 741 (1931).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. R.W. Pekala and F.M. Kong, J. de Physique, Colloque Suppl., 50(4), C4–33 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  8. R.W. Pekala, J. Mat. Sci., 24, 3221 (1989).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. R.W. Pekala and F.M. Kong, Polym. Prpts., 30(1), 221 (1989).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. R.W. Pekala and R.E. Stone, Polym. Prpts., 29(1), 204 (1988).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. W.J. Blank, J. Coatings Tech., 51(656), 61 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. I.H. Updegraff, “Amino Resins,” in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering. 2nd ed., Vol. 1, New York: John Wiley & Sons, 752–789 (1985).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Of Chemistry & Materials Science, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550, USA

    R. W. Pekala & C. T. Alviso

Authors
  1. R. W. Pekala
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C. T. Alviso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Pekala, R.W., Alviso, C.T. A New Synthetic Route to Organic Aerogels. MRS Online Proceedings Library 180, 791 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-180-791

Download citation

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-180-791

Search

Navigation